NWOBHM is the popular acronym for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. What’ this blog’s mainly about – right? But what about the NWOIHM – the New Wave of Italian heavy Metal? That’s what we have here with Raff.
The band hovered around the Italian metal scene in parallel with the time NWOBHM was at its peak. Late 70s/early80s.
Their raw rifferama and “in yer face” attack sat very nicely style- wise with what was going on with the whole NWOBHM “movement” over here. Indeed, had Raff been from the UK, they’d have been tagged as NWOBHM without a doubt.
But Italy is not the UK. And Raff didn’t have the exposure to a wider stage despite a support slot with a fledgling Iron Maiden just as they were breaking out in to the big time. Raff hung around without going anywhere though did enjoy a bit of a cult following before petering out with an Intended Debut Album never seeing the shelves.
Now it has come to pass a few decades later than Raff have returned. Reincarnated, the band have freshly recorded songs form the early days and it’s good stuff.
A proper NWOBHM style. Fun and highly enjoyable. Nothing sophisticated – simply straight ahead, muscular delivery. Fast riffs (raffs…..?), screaming chords, speedy solos and throbbing drums and bass all done loud.
Take Rafforce Commandos for example. Straight between the eyes “anthemic” rocker. Get those fists in the air! And talking of air – you imaginary guitarists out there will love it.
Songs like Rocker and Live it Loud (infectious running riff) give the listener more of the same – well, the whole album does. Grown on me plenty.
Yes, a bit of a curiosity though always welcome to discover such stuff from the “old days” and a band which still stands up today as evidenced here by Raff.
Have a listen to Gates of Fortune – a fine example of Raff’s energetic approach to rocking and, I understand, what would have been the title track to their intended debut album from the 1980s had circumstances been different.
If that’s whetted your aural appetite – then bag yourself the CD and enjoy a bit of Raff for yourself.
>> RAFF IS AVAILABLE HERE FROM AMAZON
The New Wave of Italian Heavy Metal indeed…..!
